Public Speaking & Presentation Workshops for Grades 6-12

say-goodbye-to-your-fear-of-public-speaking

It is well known that public speaking is the biggest fear for all people, not just students. It is also proven that strong public speaking skills are linked to overall confidence and academic success.

The A+ programs offer many opportunities to develop and practice their presentation and speaking skills.  Every English class introduces the basic elements – we have seen shy students transform into class leaders through A+’s emphasis on public speaking and presentations.

For Middle and High School students, our Public Speaking and Presentation Workshop is a must!

Sharpening communication abilities helps young people succeed in a world that demands confidence, articulation and the ability to clearly communicate ideas. By building superior speaking skills, students will excel in school, defend their beliefs and values, and become leaders in their schools and communities.

This workshop will:

  • Teach students to quickly engage their audience and hold their interest.
  • Write and present EYE-POPPING and CAPTIVATING speeches.
  • Show students how to best use technology and visuals effectively in presentations – there is such a thing as too much!
  • Develop valuable social skills – Eye Contact, Poise, Articulation and Confidence.
  • Train students how to present and support their arguments in debates

Public speaking improves research and organization abilities– crucial skills for high school and college success.

Enroll in the A+ Public Speaking and Presentation Workshop today!

Fees and Schedule

Classes are held on Saturdays in four 8-week terms during the school year.
Starting Dates for Each Term (8 weeks)
Fall Session Sep Term  Sep 11, 2021
Nov Term  Nov 13, 2021
Spring Session Feb Term  Feb 05, 2022
Apr Term  Apr 09, 2022
Class times
Afternoon class 1 pm-4 pm
Tuition
For students in Grades 6 – 8

(Middle School)

$950 per 16-week session; book fee $100

$490 per 8-week term; book fee $50

For students in Grades 9 – 12

(High School)

$980 per 16-week session; book fee $100

$500 per 8-week term; book fee $50

Locations:
1106 Commonwealth Ave. Boston, MA 02215
65 Harrison Avenue, Boston, MA 02111
Online

Download Application Form

Complete the application form and email it to us (aplusinfo@ascenglish.com) or mail to us. We will get in touch with you within one business day.

  • Application fee $30 for new students, and it will be waived when five students or more apply at once.
  • Book fee will be charged separately.
  • Students who register for four sessions at once will receive a materials fee waiver for one session.

Questions?  Call 617-730-3705, 617-451-8988 or e-mail info@aplusprogram.com

Introduction to Public Speaking Classes 

Public speaking is a competence that involves the delivery of a speech or presentation to a live audience. Unlike a conversation, public speaking requires planning, structure, and a certain level of professionalism. It’s a skill that’s broadly utilized in diverse settings such as classrooms, meetings, and significant events.

Public speaking isn’t always about presenting to a sizeable audience. It could be as simple as delivering a presentation to a small group at work or giving a speech at a friend’s wedding. Hence, it’s considered a fundamental part of our daily communication.

The art of public speaking holds great power. It not only increases your value in the professional world but also boosts your self-esteem and leadership capabilities.

Public Speaking vs. Everyday Conversation

Public speaking and everyday conversation are distinct forms of communication. While both involve communicating ideas to others, public speaking requires planning, research, and careful delivery of your ideas to the target audience. In contrast, everyday conversation is more casual, spontaneous, and involves a two-way interaction.

Public speaking also requires understanding your audience, tailoring your speech to suit their interests and knowledge level, and using optimal pacing to keep them engaged. In everyday conversation, interactions are less structured and more flexible.

Why is Public Speaking Important for High School Students?

Public speaking is crucial for students, allowing them to develop valuable skills that will be useful throughout their lives. It enhances their confidence, communication skills, and ability to articulate thoughts clearly. Whether they’re participating in a class debate, delivering a presentation or speaking at an assembly, having the ability to communicate effectively is a lifelong advantage.

Developing public speaking skills at a young age prepares students for future academic and career opportunities. It helps them stand out in competitive situations, such as college admissions or job interviews. Moreover, students with strong public speaking skills are perceived as confident leaders, better decision-makers, and are typically more successful in their professional endeavours.

As a student embarks on their journey of improving public speaking abilities, numerous benefits and learning experiences come to the forefront which contribute significantly to their overall growth. This improvement is often reflected in increased confidence, improved engagement with audiences, learning and growth from feedback, and expanded career opportunities.

Improve Your Public Speaking Confidence 

The journey of public speaking is as much self-discovery as it is skill-building. As students navigate the world of effective communication, they inadvertently end up discovering their own unique voice and style. The process of presenting their thoughts and ideas to an audience, irrespective of the size, inculcates a sense of confidence in their abilities.

  • Self-reliance: The ability to stand alone on a stage and address a crowd is a significant testament to one’s self-reliance. This increased self-assurance often trickles down into other aspects of life, thus making students more independent and self-sufficient.
  • Self-esteem: Successfully navigating the hurdles of public speaking and realizing one’s capacity to channel thoughts into words effectively can considerably boost their self-esteem.

Better Engagement with Audience In Public Speaking

One of the paramount benefits of honing public speaking skills is the acquired ability to effectively engage an audience. Captivating an audience’s attention and successfully communicating an idea requires a deep understanding of audience psychology, adaptability, and a dash of creativity.

  • Understanding Audience Psychology: It is essential to recognize what piques the interest of the audience and use that knowledge to craft a delivery method that holds their attention.
  • Adaptability: An effective public speaker exhibits flexibility and the ability to cater to the dynamic nature of audience interaction.

Negative Feedback and Learning from It in Public Speaking

While positive reinforcement certainly boosts morale, the essence of growth lies in learning from constructive criticism. Accepting feedback, particularly negative, imbues resilience and a mindset for constant improvement in students.

  • Handling Criticism: Negative feedback can be disheartening. However, it often provides a fresh perspective and the opportunity to improve. Learning to handle and learn from criticism is an invaluable life skill both in and outside the realm of public speaking.
  • Resilience: The journey of mastering public speaking is a series of trials and errors. The process of learning from errors and persisting in the face of adversity undoubtedly ingrains resilience in students.

Career Opportunities through Effective Public Speaking

Public speaking skills are highly regarded in the professional realm. Regardless of the profession, effective communication is vital. Thus, proficiency in public speaking can open a multitude of doors in the career landscape.

  • Stand out: In a crowd of candidates, the ability to articulate effectively often serves as a distinguishing factor.
  • Leadership roles: Effective communication is a key leadership quality. Thus, individuals who are adept at public speaking frequently find themselves in leadership roles.

The journey of improving public speaking skills is nothing short of transformative. The enhanced confidence, improved audience engagement, resilience, and expanded career opportunities are the fruits of this journey. Ahead, we will delve into the wealth of resources available for public speaking enhancement and how students can utilize them.

Discover more about our Boston, MA area public speaking classes tailored for high school students that aim to transform them into confident and effective communicators.

Public speaking is not just a skill, but a transformative journey that fosters confidence, shapes character, and opens doors to numerous opportunities. Embracing the challenge of public speaking surmounts the daunting barriers of fear and anxiety and paves the way to becoming bold and effective communicators. Achieving this might seem daunting, but armed with the right mindset, resources, and a dedicated commitment to practice, any student can become a confident and articulate public speaker. 

Join us for an information night or register today

At A+ Program, we take pride in being part of this transformative journey and inspiring students to activate their potential. We believe in every student’s capability to excel at public speaking and become the confident leaders of tomorrow. Through our public speaking classes and activities, we dedicate ourselves to turning fear into excitement and potential into achievement – because every voice deserves to be heard.

Testimonials
Monica Depina and Erma Pinto (Parents of students from Middle ISEE class)
“The program has helped our daughters so much in preparing them for the Middle ISEE test. The teachers are attentive…
2018-09-24T14:43:10+00:00
“The program has helped our daughters so much in preparing them for the Middle ISEE test. The teachers are attentive and experienced in teaching test prep. Our kids have made major improvements on their tests. The material learned in class is also helping our kids at school! All the staff members are friendly and really View Full →
Tancrede R
“I love writing so much, and I don’t want to miss a class at A+!” Tancrede R., 4th Grade
2016-06-15T09:41:22+00:00
“I love writing so much, and I don’t want to miss a class at A+!” Tancrede R., 4th Grade
Mrs. Peng
“我們很驚喜地發現,Elan 已經被A+訓練成小作家了! 我們都非常詫異她可以用那麽生動的詞彙和清晰的結構去組織文章!” Mrs. Peng
2016-06-16T15:06:39+00:00
“我們很驚喜地發現,Elan 已經被A+訓練成小作家了! 我們都非常詫異她可以用那麽生動的詞彙和清晰的結構去組織文章!” Mrs. Peng
Tancrede Roy
“我好愛寫作,我不想錯過在A+的每一節課!” Tancrede Roy
2016-06-16T15:07:18+00:00
“我好愛寫作,我不想錯過在A+的每一節課!” Tancrede Roy
Jianping
“I am a parent of two high school students. Both of children come to A+ Summer Programs for many years.…
2017-04-05T14:59:10+00:00
“I am a parent of two high school students. Both of children come to A+ Summer Programs for many years. The reason they want to come back again and again is because the teachers here are very knowledgeable in their subject areas and also they know how to communicate with kids in a way so View Full →